Tell us a little about you.
I love reading, playing video games and meeting new people.
In the context of your background and your time at °µTV, what makes you unique?
I would say that every student has a unique story at °µTV, simply because there is so much to get involved with. At °µTV, I have gotten to know some incredible people and make memories that I will take with me forever. The different on-campus jobs I've had have given me a unique understanding of the behind-the-scenes of what goes on in the school, and I highly encourage people to get involved in that way. I also think that my roommates have made a huge impact on my college experience — we are all studying drastically different things (managerial economics, global disease biology, computer science, animal science) but we have become such a strong group of friends, and I have learned so much from each of them.
Why did you choose °µTV?
I chose °µTV because it felt like a perfect college town. Even though the school's population is big (38,000 students) I never felt isolated or left behind. The campus is beautiful, and I knew that this college would be a great place for me to stay focused on school while still cultivating my independence and growth. I also knew I wanted to stay in California, so °µTV ended up being the best choice — and a choice I have never regretted.
What do you enjoy doing for fun here?
My friends and I love to hammock around Davis! There is so much nature in the town to explore, and especially during our online year, my roommates and I would watch lectures in our hammocks outside. Otherwise, I personally love to get coffee and go to the farmers market with my friends, which is a Davis staple.
What activities have you been involved in here?
I have worked with a few different departments on campus. I have worked for the °µTV Arboretum and Public Garden and the °µTV Strategic Communications department. I have also served as a senator for ASUCD and worked in every part of the Tour Guide Program. I have done research in the Communication department under Dr. Michael Carter, and I have helped the Global Learning Hub work on web design for the study abroad program. I also worked as an intern for the on-campus thrift store, the Aggie Reuse Store.
In terms of clubs, I have been to a few swing dancing meetings, ballroom dancing meetings, and I joined the sailing club for a bit! My friends and I also had an intramural soccer team last year (our team name was BOLT), and I played inner-tube waterpolo! This past summer, I was a part of the UCDC program, and I got to intern at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.! While these are the activities I have been involved in, there are still so many different things that my friends and classmates are a part of. There is so much to do at °µTV.
What do you like about academics and student life here?
I like that you are able to truly curate your academic experience at °µTV. Even within your major, you are able to take classes that spark specific interests for you, whether you are studying political science or animal science. Personally in my Communication major, I have taken a lot of classes on media communication — but, I have peers who have taken classes in political communication, health and communication, and social media. Regarding student life, there is always something going on on-campus, which I love! Your experience at °µTV will ultimately be up to you, but it is so important to have great, reliable friends who you can spend your days with. I feel like Davis has given me that a million times over.
Where have you found community and support on campus?
In the classroom, I have found a lot of support academically. Especially in my Japanese classes, it has been important to form study groups where I feel comfortable practicing with my peers to help one another out. This is something I highly recommend and is a great way to make friends!
How has °µTV helped you grow?
°µTV has given me the space to become a better version of myself compared to when I began college as a freshman. I feel like I have deepened professional interests of mine as well as grown to be comfortable with who I am. A new experience I did not anticipate for myself was minoring in Japanese! It has been such a rewarding journey to study the language and explore the culture through my classes.
How do you feel °µTV is preparing you for success?
I feel as if °µTV has provided me with the backbone of who I am and has helped cultivate my strengths. °µTV and the network of people it has provided me with will continue to be something I can fall back on for support when I need it.
What do you hope/plan to do after you graduate?
My goal is to explore different jobs in the realm of communications and see where my strengths and knowledge base take me. I am ultimately interested in working in entertainment, and I hope to use my minor to help me work in Japanese/American localization when it comes to video games or television shows.
What has surprised you about °µTV?
How much I actually came to love the cows! I know it is an overused stereotype of the school that we live in "cow town," but I actually feel so much comfort when I see them now — they really remind me of home.
What would you tell prospective students about °µTV?
You are going to have so much fun! Obviously, college is going to be what you make of it no matter where you go. °µTV has been everything I wanted out of college and more, and coming to a school like this is a huge privilege and an amazing experience. My main advice is to just try everything — you may find a hidden interest or learn something unexpected about yourself. Good luck, and make the most of it!
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